Tariq Mustafa
Encyclopedia
Tariq Mustafa is a Pakistan
i mechanical
-nuclear engineer
and a space technologist
. He is the current chairperson of Pakistan’s National Paralympics Committee
(PNPC) and the vice president
of Asian Paralympics Committee. Despite of his current position, Mustafa has served chief scientist at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
and a principal engineer at the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
(SUPARCO).
where he received his Bachelors of Science
(B.S.) in mechanical engineering
with First Class Honours
while also doing an engineering apprentice
ship at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich
. In 1956, he joined United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
and did his post-graduate research in the field of nuclear technology
and nuclear power studies.
In 1957, he came back to Pakistan and joined Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
where he was awarded a scholarship
by the PAEC chairman. He travelled to United States where he attended Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
in 1958. At Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE), he studied for his double master's degree
in mechanical engineering and nuclear engineering. While staying at the campus, his shared his college dorm with fellow nuclear engineer dr. Salim Mehmud
who was completing his doctorate in nuclear engineering. In 1961, Mustafa received his double Master of Science
(M.Sc.) in mechanical engineering
and nuclear engineering
from there.
as a nuclear engineer was asked by Dr. Ishrat Hussain Usmani
to go to Pakistani embassy at the Washington D.C. to meet with Dr. Abdus Salam
. Abdus Salam who's efforts were involved in to established the SUPARCO, asked the young Pakistani engineers to join NASA
. Despite of Salim's objection, Mustafa agreed upon Salam's decision. Following the meeting, Mustafa along with Mehmud visited NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
where the team examined the American advances in rocket technology.
After the visit, Mustafa and Mehmud agreed to work for NASA. Mehmud and Mustafa arrived at Greenbelt, Maryland
on a Douglas DC-6
. Mehmud and Mustafa joined NASA in 1961. He was trained at the Goddard Space Center in rocket and space technology. He was the one of the earliest pioneers of Nike-Cajun and Judi-Dart, a solid fuel propellent based rocket. He closely collaborated with NASA scientists and engineers in the development of solid fuel sounding rockets during the 1960s, particularly the Judi-Dart Sounding Rocket Program
. He associated with NASA's missile and space rocket program till 1970 under the mutual agreement with the SUPARCO.
. On 7 June 1962 at 1953 hours, Pakistan launched its first solid-fuel rocket into the space, in a project led by Wladyslaw Turowicz. The project was led by Air. Crdr. W. J. M. Turowicz in which Mustafa played a central role in the development of the solid fuel rocket program. As a Principal Engineer, he, under the guidance of Turowicz, developed and established the Flight Test Center (now known as Sonmiani). Mustafa also led the team responsible for setting up Pakistan's space research program.
initiated the Project-706
, Mustafa has worked closely with the Nobel Laureate in Physics, Professor Abdus-Salam
in the research and the development of the atomic weapons. During the 1980s, he started the Hatf Missile Program. Mustafa was one of the scientist who were behind the development of the Hatf Missile System. As Mehmud served the project director as well as head of the agency, Mustafa was involved with the development of the rocket's engine and propellent system. He specialised in rocket's motor fabrication and the inertial engine.
In 1989, he was one of the scientists who were presented along side the Pakistan's Military Engineering Service and KRL
scientists. In 1995, when the Shaheen Missile Guidance System program was initiated under the guidance of noted nuclear physicist dr, Samar Mubarakmand
by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
, Mustafa at the SUPARCO became a distinguished member of the project. At SUPARCO, the launch and development facilities were run by Mustafa's guidance. He attended the meeting with the Dr. Samar Mubarakmand and with the Indigenous development of the missile, Mustafa began to developed the solid propellent system and the engine of the rocket. He has also helped and contributed in the development of the Shaheen-II
's solid rocket fuel and the engine. In 2002, he was one of the SUPARCO scientists presented at the launch while Pakistan tested its the missile.
where he held the coveted posts of Secretary of Defense, Science and Technology
, Petroleum Natural Resources, Public Sector Industry and Privatisation.
During his 36 year career he has widely travelled to over 50 countries. He is currently president of Pakistan’s National Paralympics Committee and a Vice-President of the Asian Paralympics Committee. He has been a Searcher all his life, particularly on the subject of Man’s Place in the Universe and connection between Reason and Revelation. He has been invited to speak internationally on Reason and Revelation on TV, radio, to various Church groups, the Scientific Society of Pakistan, the Muslim Education forum of UK, various Islamic science conferences, and the Asian Study Group.
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
i mechanical
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
-nuclear engineer
Nuclear engineering
Nuclear engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the application of the breakdown as well as the fusion of atomic nuclei and/or the application of other sub-atomic physics, based on the principles of nuclear physics...
and a space technologist
Space technology
Space technology is technology that is related to entering, and retrieving objects or life forms from space."Every day" technologies such as weather forecasting, remote sensing, GPS systems, satellite television, and some long distance communications systems critically rely on space infrastructure...
. He is the current chairperson of Pakistan’s National Paralympics Committee
Pakistan at the Paralympics
Pakistan first participated at the Paralympic Games in 1992, and has sent athletes to compete in every Summer Paralympic Games since then....
(PNPC) and the vice president
Vice president
A vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
of Asian Paralympics Committee. Despite of his current position, Mustafa has served chief scientist at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, , is an administrative governmental and autonomous science and technology governmental department of Pakistan, responsible for development of nuclear energy and development of nuclear power sector in Pakistan...
and a principal engineer at the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission , is an executive agency of the Government of Pakistan, responsible for nation's public and civil space program and aeronautics and aerospace research...
(SUPARCO).
Education
Mustafa is a graduate of University of LondonUniversity of London
-20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the...
where he received his Bachelors of Science
Bachelors Of Science
Bachelors of Science is the stage name of Phil "Rene", Chris and Lukeino. They met in California and formed a successful act, quickly becoming one of the top drum and bass producers in the electronic music scene...
(B.S.) in mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
with First Class Honours
British undergraduate degree classification
The British undergraduate degree classification system is a grading scheme for undergraduate degrees in the United Kingdom...
while also doing an engineering apprentice
Engineering apprentice
An engineering apprenticeship is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. A typical example is the apprenticeships formerly available at the BTH and EEC at Rugby in England...
ship at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich
Royal Arsenal
The Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, originally known as the Woolwich Warren, carried out armaments manufacture, ammunition proofing and explosives research for the British armed forces. It was sited on the south bank of the River Thames in Woolwich in south-east London, England.-Early history:The Warren...
. In 1956, he joined United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority is a UK government research organisation responsible for the development of nuclear fusion power. It is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and was formerly chaired by Lady Barbara Judge CBE...
and did his post-graduate research in the field of nuclear technology
Nuclear technology
Nuclear technology is technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei. Among the notable nuclear technologies are nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons...
and nuclear power studies.
In 1957, he came back to Pakistan and joined Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, , is an administrative governmental and autonomous science and technology governmental department of Pakistan, responsible for development of nuclear energy and development of nuclear power sector in Pakistan...
where he was awarded a scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
by the PAEC chairman. He travelled to United States where he attended Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is a U.S. Department of Energy institute headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support...
in 1958. At Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE), he studied for his double master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in mechanical engineering and nuclear engineering. While staying at the campus, his shared his college dorm with fellow nuclear engineer dr. Salim Mehmud
Salim Mehmud
Dr. Salim Mehmud, also known as Salim Mehmood, is a Pakistani rocket scientist and a nuclear engineer. He is the former chaiman of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission . He has served as chief scientist at the Defence Science and Technology Organization...
who was completing his doctorate in nuclear engineering. In 1961, Mustafa received his double Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
(M.Sc.) in mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
and nuclear engineering
Nuclear engineering
Nuclear engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the application of the breakdown as well as the fusion of atomic nuclei and/or the application of other sub-atomic physics, based on the principles of nuclear physics...
from there.
NASA career
In 1961, Mustafa, along with Mehmud, was working at the Oak Ridge National LaboratoryOak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multiprogram science and technology national laboratory managed for the United States Department of Energy by UT-Battelle. ORNL is the DOE's largest science and energy laboratory. ORNL is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, near Knoxville...
as a nuclear engineer was asked by Dr. Ishrat Hussain Usmani
Ishrat Hussain Usmani
Ishrat Hussain Usmani, , , , best known as Dr. I. H. Usmani, was a Pakistani bureaucrat and an atomic physicist who was the chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission from 1960 to 1972; as well as the Co-chairman of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission...
to go to Pakistani embassy at the Washington D.C. to meet with Dr. Abdus Salam
Abdus Salam
Mohammad Abdus Salam, NI, SPk Mohammad Abdus Salam, NI, SPk Mohammad Abdus Salam, NI, SPk (Urdu: محمد عبد السلام, pronounced , (January 29, 1926– November 21, 1996) was a Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate in Physics for his work on the electroweak unification of the...
. Abdus Salam who's efforts were involved in to established the SUPARCO, asked the young Pakistani engineers to join NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
. Despite of Salim's objection, Mustafa agreed upon Salam's decision. Following the meeting, Mustafa along with Mehmud visited NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
The Goddard Space Flight Center is a major NASA space research laboratory established on May 1, 1959 as NASA's first space flight center. GSFC employs approximately 10,000 civil servants and contractors, and is located approximately northeast of Washington, D.C. in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. GSFC,...
where the team examined the American advances in rocket technology.
After the visit, Mustafa and Mehmud agreed to work for NASA. Mehmud and Mustafa arrived at Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt is a city in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. Contained within today's City of Greenbelt is the historic planned community now known locally as "Old Greenbelt" and designated as the Greenbelt Historic District...
on a Douglas DC-6
Douglas DC-6
The Douglas DC-6 is a piston-powered airliner and transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1946 to 1958. Originally intended as a military transport near the end of World War II, it was reworked after the war to compete with the Lockheed Constellation in the long-range...
. Mehmud and Mustafa joined NASA in 1961. He was trained at the Goddard Space Center in rocket and space technology. He was the one of the earliest pioneers of Nike-Cajun and Judi-Dart, a solid fuel propellent based rocket. He closely collaborated with NASA scientists and engineers in the development of solid fuel sounding rockets during the 1960s, particularly the Judi-Dart Sounding Rocket Program
Judi-Dart
The Judi-Dart is a United States sounding rocket. The Judi-Dart was launched 89 times between 1964 and 1970. The Judi-Dart has a length of 2.70 metres, a dimetre of 0.08 metres, a maximum flight altitude of 65 kilometres and a launch thrust of 9000 newtons....
. He associated with NASA's missile and space rocket program till 1970 under the mutual agreement with the SUPARCO.
SUPARCO career
Tariq, along with Mehmud, returned to Pakistan where he was made Principal Engineer at the newly established space agency of PakistanPakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. On 7 June 1962 at 1953 hours, Pakistan launched its first solid-fuel rocket into the space, in a project led by Wladyslaw Turowicz. The project was led by Air. Crdr. W. J. M. Turowicz in which Mustafa played a central role in the development of the solid fuel rocket program. As a Principal Engineer, he, under the guidance of Turowicz, developed and established the Flight Test Center (now known as Sonmiani). Mustafa also led the team responsible for setting up Pakistan's space research program.
Pakistani missile program
In the January of 1972, when Prime minister Zulfikar Ali BhuttoZulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, and prior to that, 4th President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. Bhutto was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party — the largest and most influential political party in Pakistan— and served as its chairman until his...
initiated the Project-706
Project-706
Project-706, also known as Project-726 or as the Kahuta Project, was a science effort codename of a project conducted during the Cold War and Russo-Afghan War whose objective was to develop Pakistan' first atomic weapon. The mainstream goal of the project was the development of an atomic bomb using...
, Mustafa has worked closely with the Nobel Laureate in Physics, Professor Abdus-Salam
Abdus Salam
Mohammad Abdus Salam, NI, SPk Mohammad Abdus Salam, NI, SPk Mohammad Abdus Salam, NI, SPk (Urdu: محمد عبد السلام, pronounced , (January 29, 1926– November 21, 1996) was a Pakistani theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate in Physics for his work on the electroweak unification of the...
in the research and the development of the atomic weapons. During the 1980s, he started the Hatf Missile Program. Mustafa was one of the scientist who were behind the development of the Hatf Missile System. As Mehmud served the project director as well as head of the agency, Mustafa was involved with the development of the rocket's engine and propellent system. He specialised in rocket's motor fabrication and the inertial engine.
In 1989, he was one of the scientists who were presented along side the Pakistan's Military Engineering Service and KRL
Kahuta Research Laboratories
The Khan Research Laboratories ,, formerly known as Engineering Research Laboratories , is a multi-program Pakistan's weapons science and engineering research and development institute and nuclear research facility...
scientists. In 1995, when the Shaheen Missile Guidance System program was initiated under the guidance of noted nuclear physicist dr, Samar Mubarakmand
Samar Mubarakmand
Samar Mubarakmand , , is a Pakistani nuclear physicist, who served as the founding chairman of National Engineering and Scientific Commission from 2001 till 2007. Samar Mubarak-Mand launched the Missile Integration Programme in 1987 which was successfully completed in 2005...
by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Nawaz Sharif
Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani conservative politician and steel magnate who served as 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from November 1990 to July 1993, and from February 1997 to October 12, 1999...
, Mustafa at the SUPARCO became a distinguished member of the project. At SUPARCO, the launch and development facilities were run by Mustafa's guidance. He attended the meeting with the Dr. Samar Mubarakmand and with the Indigenous development of the missile, Mustafa began to developed the solid propellent system and the engine of the rocket. He has also helped and contributed in the development of the Shaheen-II
Shaheen-II
The Shaheen-II is an medium range ballistic missile developed by NESCOM's National Defence Complex of Pakistan. The Shaheen missile series is named after a falcon that lives in the mountains of Pakistan...
's solid rocket fuel and the engine. In 2002, he was one of the SUPARCO scientists presented at the launch while Pakistan tested its the missile.
Public service
Mustafa retired from SUPARCO in 2003 as a senior scientist. Since then, he has authored two books concerning with the scientific notion of the Islam and Science. Currently he is writing and editing his third book, The Future of Humanity. After his retirement, he went on to become a senior ranking Government Official of PakistanGovernment of Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan is a federal parliamentary system, with an indirectly-elected President as the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Pakistani Armed Forces, and an indirectly-elected Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The President’s appointment and term are...
where he held the coveted posts of Secretary of Defense, Science and Technology
Ministry of Science and Technology (Pakistan)
The Ministry of Science and Technology , is a Cabinet-level ministry of government of Pakistan concerned with science and technology in Pakistan and in general, Pakistan's science policies, planning, coordination and directing of efforts to initiate and launch scientific and technological programs...
, Petroleum Natural Resources, Public Sector Industry and Privatisation.
During his 36 year career he has widely travelled to over 50 countries. He is currently president of Pakistan’s National Paralympics Committee and a Vice-President of the Asian Paralympics Committee. He has been a Searcher all his life, particularly on the subject of Man’s Place in the Universe and connection between Reason and Revelation. He has been invited to speak internationally on Reason and Revelation on TV, radio, to various Church groups, the Scientific Society of Pakistan, the Muslim Education forum of UK, various Islamic science conferences, and the Asian Study Group.
Awards
- Pride of Performance AwardPride of PerformancePride of Performance , is one of the highest civil award given and conferred by the Pakistan Government to Pakistan's citizens in recognition of distinguished merit in the fields of Literature, Arts, Sports, Medicines, and Science for civilians in most particular cases.The announcement of civil...
(2003) - French Medal for Aeronautics (1989)
Research Papers
- Selected ArticlesThe Case for God
- Danish Cartoon Controversy
- Newsweek- The God Debate
- Talk- Islamic Wedding
- The Way Out- Bin Laden